Chiefs sign safeties Jimmy Wilson, Stevie Brown
The Chiefs are making moves to shore up their safety position, signing Jimmy Wilson and Stevie Brown on Friday.
A source confirmed Wilson’s signing, first reported by Pro Football Talk, while the agent for Brown posted on Twitter that his client signed with the Chiefs.
Wilson, who turns 30 in July, is a six-year pro who has played for the Dolphins and Chargers. He started 13 games for the Dolphins in 2014, recording 58 tackles, two pass deflections and an interception. In 13 games and six starts with the Chargers last year, he recorded 44 tackles, two pass deflections and an interception. The Chargers waived Wilson in December.
Brown, who turns 29 in July, has played in 55 games for the Raiders, Colts and Giants, with 20 career starts. He sat out the 2015 season after being waived by the Texans and Giants within a four-month period, but he has a reputation as a big hitter.
In 2014, Brown started eight games for the Giants and had 38 tackles, a sack and a pass deflection, but his best season came in 2012, when he started 11 games and recorded 76 tackles with 11 pass deflections and eight interceptions. He missed all of 2013 because of a torn ACL.
Wilson, who is listed at 5 feet 11 and 185 pounds, and Brown, 5-11 and 221, will add veteran depth to a safety corps that has lost two key players since the start of free agency. Tyvon Branch left for Arizona and versatile starter Husain Abdullah retired.
The Chiefs have had recent success signing veteran safeties to one-year “prove-it” deals. Quintin Demps had a four-interception season in 2013, Kurt Coleman intercepted three passes with the Chiefs in 2014 and Branch thrived as the Chiefs’ third safety last season.
All three improved their value during short stints with the Chiefs and moved on.
Wilson spent 25 months in jail after he was accused of shooting his aunt’s abusive boyfriend in 2007. Wilson was acquitted and was selected by the Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Terez A. Paylor: 816-234-4489, @TerezPaylor. Download Red Zone Extra, The Star’s Chiefs app.
This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 6:15 PM with the headline "Chiefs sign safeties Jimmy Wilson, Stevie Brown."